Global Terrorism Index Under Fire: DHQ Raises Serious Credibility Concerns

According to the Defense Headquarters, reports from the Nigerian military give a more realistic picture of the nation's counterterrorism activities than do reports from other sources.

This was said Thursday by Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defense Media Operations, in response to inquiries over the March 5 release of the 2025 Global Terrorism Index.

With a score of 7.658, Nigeria rose from ninth place in 2023 and 2024 to sixth place globally. Additionally, 565 Nigerians lost their lives as a result of terrorism in 2024.

Kangye made the case—using an analogy from a family—that reports from the head of the family should be taken more seriously than those from other people.

In my home, something is going on. The head of the household is me. I have a wife and kids, and Kuma Shi (someone else) keeps me updated on what's going on in my home. Which is the most accurate? "The one Kuma Shi is reporting from outside, or the one I tell you as the head of the house?" he inquired.

He said, "I'm not disputing what they put out there, but observers, you should be the ones to give the correct version of what is happening in Nigeria." He also asked the media to check and refute any false narratives regarding the country's security situation.

Regarding the South East's sit-at-home edict, Kangye pointed out that many locals are still kept indoors on Mondays out of fear.

However, he gave reassurance that the military is making every effort to return things to normal and get rid of IPOB/ESN fighters from the area.

"Who issued the directive? ESN/IPOB criminals. Similar to Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, Operation Udo Ka was established in response to events in the South East.

"The last three commanders in the area have performed admirably. Although they nevertheless urge people to go about their daily lives, residents in certain places choose to stay indoors for fear of an assault. The commanders are putting a lot of effort into removing IPOB/ESN influence from the South East," he stated.